Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Monterey Park?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Monterey Park, you need to earn at least $86,320/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $76,892, which means the typical resident is $9,428 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 60,386

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,511	$5,037	$60,440	$-16,452
1 Bedroom	$1,791	$5,970	$71,640	$-5,252
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,158	$7,193	$86,320	+$9,428
3 Bedroom	$2,633	$8,777	$105,320	+$28,428
4 Bedroom	$3,237	$10,790	$129,480	+$52,588

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Monterey Park's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$76,892

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$86,320

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$9,428

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 33.7%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Monterey Park

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Monterey Park's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,922

Studio

$1,511/mo

1 BR

$1,791/mo

2 BR

$2,158/mo

3 BR

$2,633/mo

4 BR

$3,237/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Monterey Park.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Monterey Park's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Monterey Park

Monterey Park's rental market puts real pressure on median earners. A 2-bedroom at $2,158/month requires $86,320/year — about $9,428 more than the median household income. Roommates or dual incomes significantly change the equation.

If you're relocating to Monterey Park, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,511–$1,791/month) unless your income exceeds $86,320. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,079/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Monterey Park is approximately $129,480. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Monterey Park, California.

With a total population of 60,386, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 28,190 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $86,320 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

28,190

Active civilian employees in Monterey Park

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Monterey Park

What salary do I need to live in Monterey Park, California?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Monterey Park under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $86,320. The median household income in Monterey Park is $76,892.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Monterey Park on $76,892?

The affordability verdict for Monterey Park is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 33.7%, meaning there's a $9,428 income gap.

What is the average rent in Monterey Park compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Monterey Park is $1,791/month. With a median household income of $76,892, residents spend approximately 33.7% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Monterey Park?

A studio in Monterey Park rents for approximately $1,511/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $60,440 to afford this.

Is Monterey Park considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $9,428 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Monterey Park is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $86,320 to the local median household income.

How Monterey Park Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements